Please note that the Topic Hubs developed by this Center have been archived and are no longer being updated. GLRPPR has converted several of its Topic Hubs to LibGuides, which allow for integration of some social features.

Car HeavenAbstract: Car Heaven is an innovative initiative of the Clean Air Foundation, designed to take high polluting cars off the road. Car Heaven accepts donated cars, which are recycled, and the proceeds from the sale of the car parts support worthy charities. Those donating vehicles receive a free tow, and a minimum $60 charitable receipt for their donated car. Donated cars are picked up and processed by a local member of the Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association (OARA) in communities throughout Ontario.Source: The Clean Air FoundationURL:http://www.carheaven.ca/

Concerned Auto Recyclers (CARS) of WisconsinAbstract: The mission of CARS is to promote safe automotive recycling through education. The CARS web site includes a searchable inventory of parts available; a members list of auto recyclers and affiliates; a newsletter; a publication called the ?Employee Page? that addresses specific issues of interest for employees of CARS members; a section on safety and loss control; a calendar of events; and a list of industry links.Source: CARSURL:http://www.carsofwi.com

Environmental Compliance for Automotive Recyclers (ECAR Center)Abstract: The ECAR Center is a compliance assistance web site designed by and for the automotive recycling industry. ECAR is a cooperative effort between the Automotive Recyclers Association and the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences, funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The web site includes sections on compliance, news, a calendar of relevant events, frequently asked questions, highlights of what?s new on the site, fact sheets on various issues for each state, and information on stormwater regulations for each state.Source: Automotive Recyclers Association & National Center for Manufacturing SciencesURL:http://www.ecarcenter.org

Environmental Compliance Guide for Motor Vehicle Salvage Yards [PDF]Abstract: This guidebook summarizes some of the major environmental requirements that could apply to your auto salvage business. Covers Ohio regulations. Includes information about the regulations governing air pollution control, open burning, secondary containment, wastewater discharge, storm water permits, and underground storgae tanks at auto salvage yards. Also includes information on mercury switches, lead acid batteries, used oil, antifreeze and hazardous wastes. Many of the strategies suggested apply to all states. (Length: 40 pages)Source: Ohio EPA Small Business Assistance OfficeURL:http://www.epa.state.oh.us/ocapp/sb/publications/salvageguide.pdf

IDEM Auto SalvageAbstract: IDEM is addressing environmental problems originating from the auto salvage facility sector. IDEM's goal is to increase the auto salvage facility sector's compliance with the environmental laws and regulations that apply to the sector, thereby reducing the potential for pollution. This long-term project takes a comprehensive, integrated approach to the auto salvage facility sector in Indiana. The project includes a compliance assistance manual, workshops, and inspections.Source: Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM)URL:http://www.in.gov/idem/4993.htm

Mercury Reduction Programs DatabaseAbstract: Maintained by the Northeast Waste Management Officials? Association (NEWMOA), a searchable database that includes descriptions of mercury reduction programs underway around the U.S. Each profile provides a brief description of the project, its title, a list of products affected, program results, sources of funding, and contact information. The database may be searched by state, program title or agency. An online form is available for submission of information on programs not currently included in the database.Source: NEWMOAURL:http://www.newmoa.org/prevention/mercury/programs/

Mercury Use?Automotive Sector [PDF]Abstract: The Wisconsin Mercury SourceBook was designed as a working document to help guide communities through the process of writing comprehensive community mercury reduction plans. This section of the SourceBook contains: information on mercury-containing products unique to the automotive industry as well as products used in other sectors; case studies; action ideas; a sample proclamation that explains the mercury issue and possible mercury minimization options for the automotive industry; and current mercury projects within this industry. (PDF Format; Length: 21 pages)Source: Wisconsin Department of Natural ResourcesURL:http://infohouse.p2ric.org/ref/04/03851/auto.pdf

Mercury?Automotive Topic HubAbstract: This primer is intended as a quick guide to the essential pollution prevention information on mercury in automobiles, as well as a compilation of pertinent on-line resources. It includes background information on the sources of mercury in automobiles, information on collection programs and alternative products, guidelines for handlings, recycling, disposal and dealing with spills, and a database of mercury reduction programs. The primer was developed by the Northeast Waste Management Officials' Association (NEWMOA) as part of the Pollution Prevention Resource Exchange (P2Rx) national Topic Hub project. For more information on this project, see www.p2rx.org.Source: NEWMOA and P2RxURL:http://www.glrppr.org/hubs/toc.cfm?hub=104&subsec=7&nav=7

National Automotive Compliance Assistance Center (CCAR GreenLink)Abstract: CCAR-GreenLink®, the National Automotive Environmental Compliance Assistance Center, is available 24 hours a day to help persons engaged in automotive service, collision repair and other sectors of the automotive industry better understand their environmental responsibilities, and to help them achieve compliance with environmental program requirements. This information can help shop owners, managers and technicians decide on management strategies, technologies, materials, and methods that will reduce business costs and help manage hazardous wastes and related items. The web site includes virtual shop tours, a pollution prevention (P2) center, environmental checklists, state contacts, Spanish and Canadian documents, information on the Environmental Results Program and Superfund, frequently asked questions, news, links, and a section devoted to auto recycling.Source: CCARURL:http://www.ccar-greenlink.org/

National Vehicle Mercury Switch Recovery ProgramAbstract: EPA announced a national program August 11, 2006 that will help cut mercury air emissions by up to 75 tons over the next 15 years. The National Vehicle Mercury Switch Recovery Program is designed to remove mercury-containing light switches from scrap vehicles before the vehicles are flattened, shredded, and melted to make new steel. Together with existing state mercury switch recovery efforts, this program will significantly reduce mercury air emissions from the furnaces used in steel making -- the fourth leading source in the United States after coal-fired utility boilers, industrial boilers and gold mining. Under the program, automobile dismantlers will remove the mercury-containing light switches from scrap vehicles prior to the vehicles being flattened and then shredded at scrap recycling facilities. The program will also provide a financial incentive for those who remove mercury switches. The National Vehicle Mercury Switch Recovery Program is the result of a two-year collaborative effort involving EPA, the End of Life Vehicle Solutions Corporation, the American Iron and Steel Institute, the Steel Manufacturers Association, the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, the Automotive Recyclers Association, Environmental Defense, the Ecology Center (Ann Arbor), and representatives of the Environmental Council of the States. This portin of the EPA web includes a fact sheet on the program and the Memorandum of Understanding.Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)URL:http://www.epa.gov/mercury/switch.htm

New York State Automobile Recyclers InitiativeAbstract: This portion of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) web site describes the New York State Automobile Recyclers Initiative. To assist automobile recycling facilities in improving their pollution prevention measures and environmental compliance with state laws and regulations, the NYSDEC established an Automobile Recycler Work Group. The Automobile Recycler Work Group has integrated existing state and local regulatory programs, bringing a greater level of inter-agency coordination to ensure that facilities are aware of and meeting their regulatory requirements. NYSDEC has also developed and distributed a compliance and pollution prevention manual for automobile recyclers. It also sponsors free environmental training workshops to support the use of this manual and to educate facility owners and operators on the best way to manage their automotive wastes, implement pollution prevention measures and minimize environmental problems.Source: NYSDECURL:http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/ppu/armainpage.html

Northeast Waste Management Officials? Association (NEWMOA)Abstract: The Northeast Waste Management Officials' Association (NEWMOA) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan interstate association that has a membership composed of the hazardous waste, solid waste, waste site cleanup and pollution prevention program directors for the environmental agencies in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Check the NEWMOA web site for information on mercury in automobiles and auto salvage yard facilities.Source: NEWMOAURL:http://www.newmoa.org/

Philadelphia Automotive Scrap Yard Compliance and Enforcement ProgramAbstract: To address concerns about the environmental impact of auto salvage yards, the program was developed by the City of Philadelphia, in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and with the assistance of various trade and organizations such as the Southwest Philadelphia Scrap Dealers Association, PARTS, and others. The aim of the task force is to educate and assist all those scrap yard operators eager and willing to comply with various laws and regulations. The program web site includes information on laws affecting scrap metal dealers; scrap metal, used auto parts and the environment; an environmental compliance screening checklist; frequently asked questions; and addtional information and contacts.Source: City of Philadelphia Managing Director?s OfficeURL:http://www.phila.gov/mdo/scrapmetal/

Product Stewardship Opportunities Within the Automotive Industry [PDF]Abstract: This report presents information on the vehicle design process, materials used in vehicles and some of the trends in materials used. It also describes factors that can influence materials used, and presents challenges and opportunities to address materials of concern, recyclable materials and recycled-content in vehicles. Prepared for the Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance (MOEA) by Five Winds International. (PDF Format; Length: 151 pages)Source: MOEA and Five Winds InternationalURL:http://www.moea.state.mn.us/publications/autoPSreport.pdf

Salvage Yards and the Environment: The Next GenerationAbstract: This fifteen-minute video gives an overview of the "best management practices" for running a cleaner salvage yard. It teaches the important and necessary processes to follow to salvage cars in an environmentally safe manner. While intended for salvage yard operations, much of the information is useful for home mechanics that should follow many of the procedures for handling old automotive parts. The video is available for loan from the Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance (MOEA). Contact MOEA at 520 Lafayette Road N., 2nd Floor, St. Paul, MN 55155-4100 or call 651-215-0232.Source: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)URL:

State Mercury Car Switch InitiativesAbstract: Automobiles have historically used mercury-containing switches. The chemical and physical properties of mercury are used in mechanisms to turn on the hood, trunk, or door lights when they are opened, and/or to operate some anti-lock brake systems (ABS systems). While most manufacturers are committed to designing new cars without mercury in the switches, the problem remains for all of the mercury switches contained in cars on the road today. Unless programs are in place to collect these mercury switches before the automobiles get crushed and recycled, mercury can be released into the air, soil and water during crushing, or from subsequent management in electric arc furnaces (EAFs). A number of state regulatory agencies have raised concerns regarding the use of mercury switches in automobiles and have taken steps to address this problem through legislative efforts, pilot projects and outreach campaigns. This portion of the U.S. EPA web site lists descriptions of state car switch programs throughout the U.S., with links to program web sites where available.Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)URL:http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/hazard/tsd/mercury/carswich.htm

Toxics in Vehicles: Mercury, Implications for Recycling and Disposal [PDF]Abstract: Produced by the Clean Car Campaign of the Ecology Center, Great Lakes United, and the University of Tennessee Center for Clean Products and Clean Technologies, this report examines the use of mercury in automobiles and estimates its releases to the environment from end-of-life vehicle (ELV) processing. It holds that emissions from vehicle recycling and disposal practices are one of the largest sources of mercury contamination to the environment. The report examines strategies for cleaner production and proposes key policy solutions to eliminate mercury hazards from new and existing vehicles. (PDF Format; Length: 76 pages)Source: Clean Car CampaignURL:http://www.cleancarcampaign.org/pdfs/toxicsinvehicles_mercury.pdf

U.S. EPA: Human Health Research ProgramAbstract: EPA's Human Health Research Program offers this Web site on the latest information on its research to protect public health. The program's science looks at such questions as why some people are more sensitive to pollution and how exposure to chemicals affects people's health. The site is designed for the general public as well as for the scientific community. The site provides easy access to research and results on methods, tools, and data needed to improve risk assessments to protect the public. Visitors to the site will find an overview of the research, information on how research has contributed to decision making, resource materials available in journal publications and reports, and a listing of meetings and conferences.Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)URL:http://www.epa.gov/hhrp/